Heritage Auctions Search

Skip to main content

Go to accessibility options

1922 Babe Ruth Signed Contract Addendum Limiting His Drinking, Late Nights.

"I'll promise to go easier on drinking and to get to bed earlier, but not for you, fifty thousand dollars, or two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars will I give up women. They're too much fun."

--Babe Ruth to Col. Jacob Ruppert, 1922

New York Yankees owner Colonel Jake Ruppert was concerned. The year 1922 had been a tumultuous one for his superstar slugger, whose poor behavior had kept the Babe in the scandal rags, and out of the line-up, far more than a man earning over three times as much as his next biggest player's salary should be. After missing six weeks at the beginning of the season due to Judge Landis' suspension for barnstorming infractions, Ruth went just five days before being stripped of his captain's stripes for throwing dirt on an umpire and then directing a vulgar gesture at a heckler in the stands. In mid-June, he was tossed twice on consecutive days. By August, Ruth had been suspended by the League five times.

And while receiving just 110 games of service for his $52,000 annual commitment to the Babe, Ruppert received almost daily briefings of the Babe's off-field behavior, the drinking, the carousing, the many late nights. He was convinced that all of these factors were connected, and that the time had come to rein in the Bacchanalian Babe. After all, the club was moving to an palatial new baseball grounds in the Bronx the next season. This sort of behavior just wouldn't do. If Babe Ruth was really worth one thousand dollars a week, he had better start acting like an adult.

It was this revelation on the part of the frustrated Yankee patriarch that spawned the incredible document we present here, almost certainly the first "substance abuse" agreement ever conceived in the course of American athletics. Six typed legal-size pages spell out the terms that would hopefully curb Ruth's self-destructive tendencies, and help earn
Auction 707 | Lot: 19090 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $65,725.00
1922 Bert Cole Game Worn Detroit Tigers Uniform. Spectacular heavy grey wool flannel full uniform was worn by this young southpaw during road mound appearances for player/manager Ty Cobb's Tiger ballclub. It should go without saying that any Major League uniform dating to the first quarter of the Twentieth Century carries tremendous collecting appeal, and the remarkable condition in which we find this example, and the fantastic provenance, puts it in a class by itself. The jersey sports the classic Old English "D" over the heart in flawless black felt. A proper "Spalding" tag appears in the collar, with a secondary tag below that is faded beyond legibility. Embroidered in the rear tail is a scripted "Cole" in black thread. The sleeves have been custom cut as was common for pitchers of the day, and we're firmly convinced that these alterations do indeed date to the time of the jersey's use. There is some slight fraying of the black piping that encircles the collar, but to no visual detriment. The matching pants are tagged identically to the jersey, and again feature a scripted "Cole" embroidered in the fly's button path. There is not even the slightest flaw to mention here.

The uniform comes to us directly from the Cole family, and includes a few other personal keepsakes from his collection, most notably a pair of Tigers spring training rosters from 1922 and 1925, which finds Cole listed in alphabetical order just after Tyrus Raymond Cobb. A pair of photos of Cole in the uniform of a minor league club is here as well. A special opportunity to own a high-grade uniform dating one of the most intriguing eras of our National Pastime. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19420 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $47,800.00
Mid-1960's Ray Nitschke Game Worn Jersey. Fellow Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Bart Starr once characterized this hard-nosed middle linebacker as the "classic example of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," a gentle giant off the field who conversely took great pleasure in doling out bone-crushing punishment to opposing ball carriers. This classic example of a Championship-era green durene gamer from the 1978 Canton inductee convincingly illustrates Nitschke's rough brand of play, with well over a dozen very sizable team repairs that indicate hundreds of downs worth of collisions under the rule of Vince Lombardi. Amid the constellation of battle scars we find the unforgettable double-sixes in white tackle twill sewn to chest, back and sleeves, these likewise showing brutal wear. Yellow and white sleeve striping recalls the finest days in Titletown. Size "52" tag inside collar is joined by another in the tail, which sprouts from the right side of the proper "Sand Knit" label. Though we have never encountered another, and auction records show no sales in the past five years, we do not hesitate to annoint this Nitschke gamer as the finest on earth, unquestionably the best that could possibly exist. We have no doubt that any educated uniform collector would agree with this assessment. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19902 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $38,837.50
1922 Historic Sale of Babe Ruth Promissory Note. Now that the curse has finally been broken by an historic eight-game October winning streak, we feel safe in bringing this important document into the light of day, reassured that those Boston Red Sox fans who wished to send this piece to the same place that Cubs fans sent the Bartman ball have softened their stance on the issue. Yet surely, even in the glow of recent and long overdue victory, no New Englander could look upon this unassuming yet titanically important document without cringing just a little, remembering over eighty years of tragedy that followed the biggest trade/mistake in baseball history. Offered here is one of the three promissory notes issued by the New York Yankees to the Boston Red Sox organization, each made payable for $25,000 (plus six percent interest), with the final $25,000 of the $100,000 price tag for the Babe paid in cash.

Text of the note is as follows: "$25,000 (addended to read $25,500 to include 6% interest), NY January 3, 1922, One Hundred and twenty days after date we promise to pay to the order of The Boston American League Baseball Club Twenty-five Thousand and no/100 Dollars at Yorkville Bank with interest at 6%, American League Baseball Club of New York, Inc. by (signed) Jacob Ruppert, President, (signed) T.L. Huston, Secretary." The signatures of Ruppert and Huston appear again on the verso, along with that of the most hated man in Boston baseball history, the team owner who cared more about a play called "No No Nanette" than the sanity of countless millions of current and future Red Sox fans. He writes, "Boston American League Baseball Club By (signed) H. Frazee, Prest." Two unidentified signatures, likely those of bank employees appear at bottom. All signatures are bold and strong.

Headlines were made in June of 2005 when the actual contract sending Ruth to the Yankees sold at auction for just short of one million dollars. Of course that piece will remain a dream f
Auction 707 | Lot: 19091 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $35,850.00
1985 Dan Marino Super Bowl XIX Game Worn Helmet. Despite his top ranking on the career charts in the two most relevant statistics for the quarterback position, passing yards and touchdown completions, the elusive Super Bowl victory will always be seen as the legendary Hall of Famer's white whale. "I want to know what it's like to play in a Super Bowl and win one," he was once quoted as saying. "My career will be great without it. But, personally, selfishly, I want to know what it feels like."

Unfortunately, Marino never would experience that feeling, though his assertion that his career would be great without it is undeniably true. Still, it's rare to enter any discussion about the game's greatest quarterbacks, and Marino's place in that realm, without a mention of the empty space on his Championship ring finger. And, so the importance of the remarkable relic we present here needs little explication.

Endless photo matches assure beyond any doubt that this is the helmet Marino wore as he made his only grab for that brass/Championship ring, closing out a remarkable fourteen and two regular season, his second in the NFL, with a heartbreaking loss to Joe Montana's San Francisco 49'ers at California's Stanford Stadium. The only thing missing is the "Dolphins" customization to the front bumper, though, interestingly enough, the base "Riddell" bumper is clearly covered with a dirt and glue residue and in one of the photo matches, the right side of the bumper sticker under the letters "INS" in "DOLPHINS" is clearly disengaged. On the helmet's exterior, the proper original striping is present and photo matches show uneven disjointed front endings of each as well as dirt/glue residue stains. The original Dolphin's starburst logos remain intact and another exact photo match shows the left side detached with a bubbled disengagement on the 10 o'clock position.

The rear shell is likewise an exact match to photos from the Super Bowl, with Marino's number
Auction 707 | Lot: 19912 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $33,460.00
Circa 1927 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig Signed Baseball. What adjective could possibly do justice to this one? In fact, we're tempted to forgo descriptive text entirely, since any attempt to convey the magnificence of this dual-signed sphere would fail to be anything more than a statement of the obvious. Just look at the photos. Clearly this ranks among the few finest baseballs signed by the most important of Yankee duos ever to reach the auction block.

The Mint condition in which this Worth Official League ball finds itself a full eight decades after its brush with greatness could be attributed to a long and lonely life sequestered in its original box, which remains to this day in likewise magnificent shape. Affixed to two panels of the box are newspaper clipping photographs announcing a visit from the "Bustin' Babes" and "Larrupin' Lous," the barnstorming squads headed by the twin heroes of the 1927 season that toured the country following the Yanks' four-game Series sweep. This unimprovable vintage could be considered yet another layer of icing on this most delectable of cakes.

Ruth's sweet spot signature offers the desirable "quotation mark" style that characterizes his early autograph, and Gehrig's to the left is the dignified, carefully rendered model that collectors crave. Again, each has maintained the identical boldness of its original application. The hide of the ball has mellowed half a shade at best, only adding to the exceptional aesthetic appeal of this treasure. Even the red and blue stitching reminds us of the OAL balls that were in vogue at the time.

Opportunities to own such a pristine example of this important baseball have become ever more uncommon with each passing year, and prices continue to climb. The conventional wisdom to "invest in quality" is conventional wisdom for a reason. We suspect that the winning bidder of this lot will remember this in the future as one of his smartest buys. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James
Auction 707 | Lot: 19011 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $33,460.00
1934-36 R327 National Chicle Diamond Stars High-Grade Near Complete Set (96/108). During the Golden age of the 1930's bubble gum card era National Chicle conceived the Diamond Star set as a competitor to the popular Goudey issue. This classic set exhibits original artwork with an art deco feel of the era. The set was popular however it was facing an uphill battle due to the fact that Goudey had locked up the rights to produce cards for the two biggest stars of the era: Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Still, this set has no shortage of Hall of Famers with the inclusion of Ott, Hornsby, Waner, Foxx, etc. The offered Diamond Star partial set has survived the decades in miraculously good condition and consists of the three of the four series in the issue, only missing (12) cards from the fourth series numbers 97 to 108. A total of 45 cards have been graded by SGC with an aggregate SMR value of $19,250. Includes: Graded Cards - SGC 96 MINT 9: 3 cards w/ # 76, 86, 91 Harris. SGC 92 NM-MT+ 8.5: 2 cards w/ # 77 Gehringer, 95 Appling. SGC 88 NM-MT 8: 9 cards w/ # 51, 57, 62, 65, 66 Medwick, 81, 87, 88, 93. SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 9 cards w/ # 39 Hubbell, 50 Ott, 52, 56, 67, 69, 75, 78, 84. SGC 84 NM 7: 14 cards w/ # 11 Dickey, 14 Terry, Berger, 31 Cuyler, 35 Averill, 44 Hornsby, 48 Farrell, 54 Greenberg, 68, 72, 74 Lazzeri, 82, 90, 94. SGC 80 EX-MT 6: 3 cards w/ # 9 Cochrane, 16 L. Waner, 80. SGC 70 EX 5.5: 1 card, #64 Foxx. SGC 60 EX 5: 2 cards w/ #3 Maranville, 58. SGC 50 VG-EX 4: 1 card # 12. SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card # 1 Grove. Ungraded Cards - #'s 2 Simmons (VG/EX), 17 Frisch (EX), 18 Hafey (VG/EX), 27 Traynor (VG/EX), 28 Lopez (EX), 30 Manush (EX/MT), 32 Rice (NM), 36 Lombardi (EX/MT), 43 Lyons (EX/MT), 59 Bottomley (NM), 60 Ruffing (EX/MT), 63 Jackson (NM), 83 Waner (EX). Grades 47% NM to NM/MT, 47% EX to EX/MT, 6% VG to VG/EX.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19810 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $31,070.00
1939 Lou Gehrig Handwritten Signed Letter Discussing His Illness.

"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth..."

--Lou Gehrig at Yankee Stadium, July 4, 1939.

It was just two weeks after the Bronx captain's heartbreaking farewell to the fans he had entertained and thrilled with 2,130 games of uninterrupted service that a letter arrived in the mailbox of Bess Bell Neely. She had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis nine years earlier, and had sought help from many doctors near her home in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with very little success. In the late spring and early summer of 1939, sclerosis was suddenly very much in the news, though in this case it was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the illness that would come to be known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease."

She had written to Gehrig with little expectation of a reply, but with the hope that if he did write back that he might have some advice that could help stem the progression of her illness. After all, if there was anybody in the world who would have the means to research treatments for sclerosis, it would be a famous man like Lou Gehrig. Surely the medical profession was rushing to his aid.

Perhaps had Mrs. Neely followed the noble career of this Yankee icon, she would have known that a response would come. Understanding the sort of man that the Iron Horse was, the tremendous character that inspired him to play through broken bones and all manner of injury and illness, one cannot be too very surprised that he would have taken the time to pen this kind letter of support to a complete stranger as he fought for his own life:

Sunday-

Dear Mrs. Neely-

It is with deep regret that I read of your condition, sclerosis. However, the condition in which I am afflicted may differ from the way you are infected, so if I told you of my t
Auction 707 | Lot: 19140 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $31,070.00
1962 Topps Baseball High Grade Complete Set (598). Easily identified by its distinctive wood-grain design, the 1962 Topps issue set a new standard by including 598 cards. The high-numbered series (523-598) included several short-printed cards. Based on the quality and the condition of this set overall, it appears to be a vending set that was put together and stored away since its original year of issue. An incredible 126 cards have been graded by SGC with an aggregate SMR value of $22,349. Includes: Graded cards - SGC 98 GEM 10: 4 cards w/ #178, 273, 419, 581 High #. SGC 96 MINT 9: 52 cards w/ #29 Stengel, 113, 116, 137, 143, 147, 151, 155, 156, 157, 180, 188, 209, 212, 231, 237, 238, 246, 258, 269, 270, 319, 344, 348, 380, 392, 398 Drysdale AS, 401 AL & NL Homer Kings, 402, 411, 423 Rival Aces, 470 Kaline AS, 496, 511, 513, 517, 526 SP, 530 Gibson SP, 531, 532, 534 SP, 537, 548, 559, 560 SP, 561 SP, 564, 572 SP, 573, 577 SP, 583, 584 SP. SGC 92 NM-MT+ 8.5: 25 cards w/ # 73, 135, 140 Gehrig and Ruth, 149, 154, 200 Mantle, 235, 251 Yankees Team, 305, 310 Ford, 330, 354, 394 Aaron AS, 400, 406, 414, 425 Yastrzemski, 468 B. Robinson AS, 515, 525, 528, 570, 575 SP, 593 SP, 595 SP. SGC 88 NM-MT 8: 31 cards w/ # 50 Musial, 53 AL HR Leaders, 58 NL Win Leaders, 112, 132, 141, 148, 167, 243, 288 Williams, 298, 316, 318, 334, 338, 340 Drysdale, 342, 389, 395 Mays AS, 409, 417, 427, 448, 505 Marichal, 522, 527, 558, 566 SP, 567 SP, 571 SP, 587 SP. SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 10 cards w/ # 45 B. Robinson, 59 AL Strikeout Leaders, 70 Killebrew, 97, 144, 169, 199, 263, 313 Maris Blasts 61st, 321. SGC 84 NM 7: 4 cards w/ # 54 NL HR Leaders, 122, 320 Aaron, 350 F. Robinson. Ungraded cards include: #1 Maris (EX), 5 Koufax (EX), 10 Clemente (EX), 18 Mantle/Mays (EX), 25 Banks (EX/MT), 30 Mathews (NM), 99 Powell (EX/MT), 100 Spahn (EX/MT), 139 Babe Ruth Story (EX/MT), 150 Kaline (NM), 300 Mays (NM), 317 Musial IA (NM), 360 Berra (EX), 3
Auction 707 | Lot: 19852 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $28,680.00
1927 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. Of the twenty-six pinstriped editions to deliver World Championship glory to the fans in the Bronx, this Golden Age club stands in baseball lore as the finest of the lot. In fact, this club is the answer most commonly given by baseball experts and historians when pressed to name the greatest baseball team of all time, bar none. When one considers the roster made available to Hall of Fame manager Miller Huggins, the reasoning behind this wide consensus becomes clear. The all but supernatural slugging powers of home run king Babe Ruth and season MVP Lou Gehrig fed an unprecedented offensive onslaught that saw the Yanks almost quadruple the American League team home run average. Earle Combs topped the League in both singles and triples. Bob Meusel and Tony Lazzeri each reached triple-digits in the RBI column. So deadly were the bats that stacked the Yankee line-up that sportswriters referred to the club with the rather sinister moniker "Murderer's Row."

Here we present one of the finest baseballs in the hobby to document that glorious Golden Age club. The list of names reads like a Cooperstown role call: Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri, Combs, Hoyt, Huggins. Eighteen autographs are here in total, each retaining the boldness of its initial application to the "Fairplay American League Baseball" that houses it. The very tough Urban Shocker (died 1928) is here, with Meusel, Bengough, Shawkey, Koenig, Dugan and even the club's hunchbacked batboy/lucky charm Eddie Bennett. Dutch Ruether, who called it quits after this historic season, and rookie Wilcy Moore assure 1927 vintage. Only perennial Big League hopeful Eddie Phillips did not wear the stripes that year, with his presence on the ball leading us to conclude that it dates from Spring Training sessions during the infancy of this exceptional campaign.

A thin layer of shellac is to be thanked for the remarkable boldness of the signatures, and a few chips to that shellac caus
Auction 707 | Lot: 19473 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $28,680.00
Early 1950's Tom Landry Game Worn Jersey. It's practically inconceivable to the legions of Dallas Cowboys fans that continue to worship at the altar of the Hall of Fame coach that Landry once suited up in the uniform of the hated New York Giants, but here we present tangible proof of that youthful gridiron indiscretion. This fantastic red durene gamer served the young defensive back who formed the famed Giants "Umbrella Defense" with Schnellbacher, Rowe and Tunnell. Landry's effectiveness is evident from the statistics, most notably his total of thirty-two interceptions in just eighty games of work. One must also note that it was with the Giants in 1956 that Landry entered the coaching profession as defensive coordinator (with Vince Lombardi his counterpart on offense). And the rest, as they say, is history.

This stylish long-sleeved red durene gamer will be instantly recognizable to collectors of early 1950's football cards, as the distinctively fonted number "49" found on chest and back here in white tackle twill is apparent on Landry's 1951 Bowman rookie and essentially every other issue from the era. The seven-inch height of the front numerals and nine-inch height of the rear are correct, as is the "Wilson [size] 42" tagging on interior tail.

Wear is consistent throughout, and particularly evident in the solid inner seam and collar line wear, though the piece remains eminently displayable. While most of its brethren were destroyed by postseason training sessions, this example was evidently spared from such punishment. The jersey derives from the collection of a former Dallas Cowboys employee who located the jersey in Landry's Mission, Texas hometown. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19899 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $28,680.00
1920's Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig & Miller Huggins Signed Baseball, PSA NM-MT 8. No superlative seems appropriately strong when it comes to describing this remarkable sphere compiling the three most important Hall of Fame autographs from the Murderer's Row days at Yankee Stadium. While even the most casual collector is aware of how desirable a Ruth/Gehrig duo is, the addition of the diminutive Yankee skipper to a ball featuring the superstar sluggers lifts this ball to the absolute peak of the hobby. Of the multitudes of future Cooperstown residents to wear pinstripes during baseball's Golden Age, Huggins is unquestionably the toughest, having succumbed suddenly to blood poisoning in 1929 as a result of an eye infection. He signs in his standard "MJ Huggins" format to the left of the Babe's booming sweet spot signature, with the great Lou Gehrig framing balancing out the trio on the right. PSA grades the Ruth and Gehrig signatures as 8, and the Huggins just a touch below at 7. The OAL (Barnard) ball is blazingly white for one of such an advanced age, with bold, dark stamping, grading an 8 according to the judgment of PSA. Quite clearly this baseball was placed in a dark, dry place very soon after it passed through these historic hands, and forgotten. Now it resurfaces to allow one elite collector the opportunity to own a singularly unique and perfect memento of the Yankees' most glorious era. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19014 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $26,290.00
1908 "Cy Young Day" Loving Cup Presented to Cy Young. More than eighteen thousand Boston Red Sox fans were on hand at Huntington Avenue Grounds on August 13, 1908 to honor their forty-one year old pitching star. It was the same field where Young had thrown the first pitch of the inaugural World Series in 1903, and where he'd tossed a perfect game a year later. Expecting a dignified procession of Red Sox to begin the "Cy Young Day" events, the fans were instead treated to a comical parade of costumed players, dressed as cowboys, dentists, miners and Mexican laborers. At the front of the procession was Young himself, suited up in farmer's clothing with long, willowy whiskers. The crowd roared its approval.

The event was not a regularly scheduled game, and the Red Sox faced a team comprised of former teammates and other American League luminaries, featuring the likes of Jack Chesbro, Hal Chase and "Wee Willie" Keeler. All gate receipts were to benefit Young alone, a figure that would prove to total more than Young had ever earned in a year. Between each of the two innings that Young pitched, interrupted after each throw by a tremendous ovation that Young acknowledged with a wave of his hat, a variety of trophies, trinkets and flowers were presented to the overwhelmed legend. We are tremendously pleased to have the opportunity to offer one of these historic pieces here.

This amazing artifact remained throughout Young's life one of his most prized possessions, and a modern print of a 1950's photograph (included in this lot) finds Mr. Young posing behind a table of trophies that holds this cup. We cannot be certain exactly which individual, group or organization gifted this particular cup to Young, but it's evident that the presenter held Cy in great esteem. A simple engraving on the side of the cup says all that needed to be said, "Cy. Young, The King, Aug. 13, 08."

Crafted from brass in a simple and elegant design, the tri-handled cup stands just over
Auction 707 | Lot: 19589 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $25,095.00
The Oldest Known Football Program. Presented here for the most serious and dedicated collectors of early football memorabilia is a piece that even the top experts in the field didn't know existed. Those familiar with the recently published book "Inside the Program: A History of College Football" by Ed Bearg and Thomas Rudebusch know that the authors claim that the 1873 program for a game between Yale and Eton, part of the collection of the College Football Hall of Fame, is the oldest known, and they're certainly to be forgiven for this misconception. This remarkable specimen had for many decades remained hidden in the personal scrapbook of Nathan P. Tyler, who attended Yale from 1872 to 1876 and was fortunate enough to witness the school's very first intercollegiate football match, the seventh college football game in American history.

Predating the Hall of Fame's program by twelve and a half months, this astounding artifact is small in stature but monumental in importance and collecting appeal. In marvelous nineteenth century calligraphic style, the cover announces, "Foot Ball, Columbia vs. Yale, Hamilton Park, Nov. 16, 1872." The creator of the program "Benham, Printer" takes credit at the bottom margin. The two interior pages list the members of the Columbia and Yale squads respectively, twenty men to a side. The back page lists the names of the two referees, four judges, and unused lines to record the scorers of the nine possible goals, as the first side to five would be declared the victor.

In fact, the hotly contested battle yielded only three scores, all of them to Yale, earning them a victory in their inaugural game much to the delight of the four hundred students and New Haven townspeople who were in attendance that day. Tim Cohane recounted the scene in his 1951 book, "The Yale Football Story." (G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York 1951):

"Jim Platt got the game under way with a long kick toward the Columbia goal. After fifteen minutes of pl
Auction 707 | Lot: 19859 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $23,900.00
1969 Roger Staubach Game Worn Rookie Jersey. Like most other Hall of Fame NFL quarterbacks, Roger Staubach had an inauspicious start to his professional career. Six games, forty-seven attempts, one touchdown pass and two interceptions was all he could muster in a back-up role to Craig Morton. But Staubach's route to fame was unlike the majority of his peers in that he served in the US Navy for four years after his Heisman career with the Middies, thus becoming a twenty-seven year old rookie. The rest, of course, is history--six Pro Bowls, two Super Bowl Championships including an MVP Award, his effective scrambling, his comeback wins and his unparalleled leadership.

This incredible football artifact dates to Staubach's NFL debut, making it one of the most significant offerings in the sport in recent years. Constructed from nylon durene, it sports short sleeves with ribbed sleeve cuffs which have been photo-matched to the season. The numerals are sewn on in requisite styling, with the number "12" on chest, back and shoulders exhibiting the Cowboys' famous serafed font with interior rope stitch reinforcement within the zig-zag pattern. In the late 1960's the Cowboys still wore shoulder numerals, necessitating the rather unconventional placement of the NFL 50th Anniversary patch on the left sleeve.

The jersey sports the 1960's white "Southland" label in the collar, accompanied by a cloth "Size 48L" flap tag. The wear is light, but definitely appropriate for the quarterback position, particularly given the limited action Staubach saw that first season in the League. The gorgeous aesthetics and supreme rookie vintage ranks this amazing specimen as the finest Staubach Cowboys gamer offered to date. Consigned by a former Dallas Cowboys staffer, with his letter of provenance. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19954 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $22,705.00
1902 Inaugural Rose Bowl Program. Presented here is one of the most significant collegiate football artifacts ever to reach the auction block, and only the second example of the very first Rose Bowl program to surface in the hobby in recent memory. The first such example made history in November of 2003, when a result of $35,500 made it the priciest non-baseball sports program ever sold.

While the Tournament of Roses had begun on New Year's Day 1890, it had always operated exclusively as a floral festival, growing from humble beginnings as a community event, to a statewide attraction, and eventually to nationwide fame. It was largely by coincidence that the festival happened to coincide in 1902 with a Michigan football team barnstorming tour of California, and it was decided by those in positions of influence that a post-season football game would make a nice addition to the event. The local Stanford University team was chosen to be the Wolverines' willing victims.

The eventual result of forty-nine to nothing in Michigan's favor could, rather remarkably, be considered a moral victory of sorts for the Stanford Cardinals, as the undefeated Wolverines had racked up 501 points of offense while giving up not a single point during their ten-game regular season. It still came as quite a disappointment to the overwhelmingly pro-Stanford crowd, and it is surmised that this embarrassing result had some bearing on the fact that it would be another fourteen years before football would again become part of the Tournament of Roses festivities.

Now well past the century mark in age, this historic program for that first Rose Bowl Game is prepared to elevate one serious collector to the elite level of the hobby. Beginning with the black card stock cover, embossed with golden lettering reading, "Official Program, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, New Year's Day 1902," we enter to find forty pages of thrilling text and photographs dedicated to the various events of the da
Auction 707 | Lot: 19860 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $22,705.00
1940's Ben Hogan Tournament Used Putter. Although Hogan was known as one of the greatest drivers in the game's history, the same was never said about his putting, and it was a skill upon which he worked feverishly in an attempt to improve. To be fair, most of his problems with the short game resulted from damage to one of his eyes suffered in a 1949 automobile accident, well after he made use of this incredible "MacGregor Spur Putter," considered the state of the art club around the time of the Second World War. The thirty-four inch club was constructed to Hogan's exact specifications, and his "B.H." initials are factory-stamped into the club's head, a modification that only would be found on his personally owned models. Original grip, in fine condition, is likewise present. Consigned by a former staffer at Fort Worth, Texas' Colonial Country Club, Hogan's home course, who acquired the club in person from Hogan.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19341 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $20,315.00
1989 Tony Gwynn Silver Bat Award. This season marked the Hall of Fame San Diego Padre's fourth of eight seasons atop the National League batting average chart, and here we find the impressive trophy presented to Gwynn for his blue ribbon accomplishment. It's the second of two such prizes presented within this auction, each deriving directly from the Gwynn family with their letter of provenance. The design is elegant in its simplicity, essentially just a metallic duplicate of Gwynn's signature model Louisville Slugger, further engraved with the text, "Batting Champion 1989, National League, B.A. .336." Again, we must stress that this is not a Silver Slugger Award, presented to the best batter at each position in the manner of a Gold Glove. Only one of these bats is issued per League annually, and as such it ranks as one of baseball's most prestigious individual awards. With Gwynn's 2007 Hall of Fame induction coming in the months ahead, surely a surge in the value of his collectibles shall coincide. Smart investors take note.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19645 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $19,120.00
1988 Tony Gwynn Silver Bat Award. The first of two spectacular silver bats offered within this Signature Auction that were presented to the 2007 Hall of Fame inductee for leading the National League in batting average. Among the most prestigious of individual awards presented by Major League Baseball, this gleaming treasure comes to us directly from the Gwynn family with their letter of provenance. It must be stressed that this is not a Silver Slugger Award, presented to the top hitters at each position in much the same fashion as Gold Gloves. Only one of these awards is issued per League annually, and, in that regard, more closely equates to the prestige of a Cy Young Award or MVP. The simple design essentially matches that of Gwynn's game bats, with the Louisville Slugger trademark and facsimile signature on the barrel. Bold block letter engraved text on the lower barrel announces, "Batting Champion 1988, National League, B.A. .313." Length is thirty-four inches. Flawless condition. An elite piece of which only the finest private collections are worthy.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19644 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $19,120.00
Circa 1915 Sam Crawford Single Signed Baseball. A devastating combination of power and speed elevated "Wahoo Sam" to the top of the career charts for triples with a total of 309, fourteen better than his closest rival and Hall of Fame teammate Ty Cobb. Much like Gehrig's experience with Ruth, Crawford often found himself in the shadow of the more famous Tiger, and his single signed baseballs are rarely seen within the hobby. Of the thin supply, only a tiny handful date to the pre-war era as does this gorgeous Official American League ball in the style used from 1910 to 1925. The gorgeously applied black fountain pen side panel signature rates a stunning 10/10, a simply unimprovable example with only a single pinprick to the leather at the letter "m" that is really too minor for mention. Scattered toning is completely uniform on the panel housing the signature, making for an ideal display. Arguably the finest Crawford single in the hobby. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19020 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $19,120.00
1963 Topps Baseball High Grade Complete Set (576). The 1963 Topps set is among the most popular of its era, due in large part to the attractive card design and the inclusion of the high-numbered Pete Rose rookie. Based on the quality and the condition of this set overall, it appears to be a vending set that was put together and stored away since its original year of issue. An incredible total of eighty-eight cards have been graded by SGC with an aggregate SMR value of $17,142. SGC 98 GEM 10: # 440 Marichal. SGC 96 MINT 9: 38 cards w/ # 119, 127, 130, 138 Pride of the NL, 139, 142, 148, 151, 153, 157, 183, 203, 206, 207, 218, 235, 243, 249, 254, 267, 268, 373, 380 Banks, 385, 396, 401, 405, 409, 412 Dodgers' Big Three, 415 Gibson, 422, 436, 438, 439, 459, 483, 490 McCovey, 503. SGC 92 NM-MT+ 8.5: 21 cards w/ # 9 NL SO Leaders, 48, 63, 133, 136, 161, 186, 192, 210 Koufax, 252, 270, 360 Drysdale, 381, 390 Aaron, 391, 428, 435, 443, 450, 485, 499. SGC 88 NM-MT 8: 18 cards w/ # 68 Friendly Foes, 126, 140, 200 Mantle, 221, 242 Power Plus, 250 Musial, 279, 300 Mays, 374, 375, 377, 398, 419, 446 Ford, 451, 470, 500 Killebrew. SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 5 cards w/ # 3 NL HR Leaders, 4 AL HR Leaders, 25 Kaline, 173 Bombers' Best, 400 F. Robinson. SGC 84 NM 7: 4 cards w/ # 6 AL ERA Leaders, 120 Maris, 271, 448. SGC 60 EX 5: # 537 Rose. Ungraded cards include: #2 Mantle LL (EX), 18 Buc Blasters (NM), 115 Yastrzemski (VG), 169 Perry (EX), 228 Oliva (EX/MT), 247 Yankees (NM), 275 Mathews (EX/MT), 320 Spahn (EX), 340 Berra (EX), 345 Robinson (EX/MT), 466 Freehan (EX), 472 Brock (EX/MT), 540 Clemente (VG) 544 Staub (VG), 550 Snider (VG), 553 Stargell (GD/VG). Grades 65% NM to NM/MT, 30 % EX to EX/MT, 5% VG/EX or lesser.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19853 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $17,925.00
1910 E99 Bishop & Company SGC Graded Partial Set (17/30). This set was issued by the Los Angeles candy maker Bishop and Company at the height of tobacco and early candy issues in 1910. The set depicts players from the Pacific Coast League and represents the first of two obscure issues produced by the confectionery. To give an idea as to the rarity of this issue, we simply need to refer to the population reports of SGC and PSA, which inform us that between both firms less than 100 of the E99 issue have ever been graded and this partial set represents a good portion of the entire population. This offering obviously represents a nice opportunity for the collector of the rare candy issues to get great jumpstart on completing this scarce set. Includes: Graded cards - SGC 40 VG 3: 7 cards w/ Brashear, Delmas, Hasty, Hitt, Nourse, Olsen, Smith. SGC 30 GOOD 2: 4 cards w/ Cutshaw, Dillon, Lindsay, Nagle. SGC 20 FAIR 1.5: 2 cards w/ Bodie, Nelson. SGC 10 POOR 1: 4 cards w/ Cameron, Mohler, Tennent, Thorsen.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19765 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $16,730.00
1977 Muhammad Ali Fight Worn Gloves from Shavers Bout.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19369 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $16,730.00
1890's-1900's Notre Dame Game Worn Full Football Uniform.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19940 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $16,730.00
Circa 1927 "Babe" Ruth Single Signed Baseball. One of the more appealing Ruth singles to surface in the hobby in recent months is presented here, a stunning specimen that has maintained its youthful good looks remarkably well over the better part of a century since its birth. A consideration of past exemplars leads us to estimate the date of birth in the era of Ruth and the Yankees' greatest season, and the quotation marks framing the "Babe" assure it is no more than a year later. We'll conservatively rate the black fountain pen ink that resides upon the sweet spot of this "Wilson Official League" ball at 9/10, though we are likely doing this masterpiece a disservice with that assessment. The handsome sphere is further aided by the two-tone stitching and mellow toning that completes the gorgeous vintage look. While any Bambino single carries undeniable allure, there is something extra special about top-quality 1920's models such as this, and one will find that most true connoisseurs of vintage autographs will agree. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19010 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $14,340.00
1961 Topps Baseball High Grade Complete Set (587). Topps returned to its traditional vertical format for its 587 card issue in 1961. The set is numbered through 589, although only 587 cards were printed. The scarce high-numbered series includes card numbers 523-589. Based on the quality and the condition of this set overall, it appears to be a vending set that was put together and stored away since its original year of issue. An incredible seventy-seven cards have been graded by SGC with an aggregate SMR value of $10,856. Includes: Graded Cards - SGC 96 MINT 9: 34 cards w/ # 7, 20, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 38, 45 NL ERA Leaders, 80 Killebrew, 97, 114, 142, 187, 190, 193, 202, 208, 209, 213, 215, 246, 270, 319, 327, 371 SP, 430 SP, 483, 499, 504, 517 McCovey, 534, 576 Maris AS. SGC 92 NM-MT+ 8.5: 18 cards w/ # 10 B. Robinson, 33, 92, 140, 141 Williams, 153, 287 Yastrzemski, 291, 307, 314, 330, 388 Clemente, 481, 491, 493, 514, 561, 578 Mantle AS; SGC 88 NM-MT 8: 19 cards w/ #35, 41 NL Batting Leaders, 200 Spahn, 207 Dodger Southpaws, 211 Gibson, 301, 310, 318, 350 Banks, 360 F. Robinson, 475 Mantle MVP, 525, 542, 545, 562, 572 B. Robinson AS, 579 Mays AS, 586 Ford AS; SGC 86 NM+ 7.5: 3 cards w/ # 296, 300 Mantle, 478 Maris MVP; SGC 84 NM 7: 4 cards w/ # 276, 415 Aaron, 417 Marichal SP, 575 Banks AS. Ungraded cards include: #2 Maris (VG/EX), 120 Mathews (EX/MT), 150 Mays (EX/MT), 160 Ford (EX), 228 Yankees (EX), 260 Drysdale (PR), 290 Musial (NM), 344 Koufax (EX), 401 Ruth (EX), 405 Gehrig (EX/MT), 406 Mantle HR (EX), 425 Berra (EX), 429 Kaline (FR), 443 Snider (EX/MT), 471 Rizzuto MVP (EX), 472 Berra MVP (), 482 Mays MVP (EX/MT), 484 Aaron MVP (EX/MT), 485 Banks MVP (EX), 577 Aaron AS (EX/MT), 580 Kaline AS (EX/MT), 581 Robinson AS (EX/MT), 589 Spahn AS (EX). Grades 65% NM to NM/MT, 25% EX to EX/MT, 5% VG/EX or lesser.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19851 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $13,145.00
Muhammad Ali Signed Sports Illustrated Magazines Run of 37. Incredibly comprehensive offering was a visionary project for one dedicated fan of the charismatic Heavyweight Champ, who acquired high-grade copies (EX-MT or better), sans mailing label, of every S.I. to feature Ali on the cover. He then proceeded to have every one autographed, at great expense, in the mid-1990's when Ali could still offer an attractive signature. Adding even further appeal to the proceedings, Ali signed "Cassius Clay" twice for his earliest appearances as a coverboy, and "Muhammad Ali AKA Cassius Clay" for the next eight. The balance features his standard autograph. The sharpie signatures overwhelmingly rate 9/10 or better, though nine (all the standard "Muhammad Ali" variation) rate between 6/10 and 8/10. Not included in the count is a thirty-eighth Ali autograph, signed upon a card that reads, "This signature is for a future issue of Sports Illustrated that may be issued in my honor." All magazines are attractively matted and framed in groups of three, in chronological order, for display. Sadly, Ali's deteriorating medical condition makes duplication of this remarkable set impossible, so collectors could consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Each autograph is accompanied by its own certificate of authenticity from Online Authentics, the marketing company that represents the Champ's autograph activities. LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19371 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $11,950.00
1922 World Series Press Pin. Tremendously scarce and desirable pin by noted jewelers Whitehead & Hoag is the only model issued for the 1922 Series, given the fact that the competing clubs shared their Polo Grounds home. This is the first such example we've seen in quite a few years, and auction records show no single examples having reached the block in recent memory. So a word to the wise--if you want this pin, bid now. The fine condition of this one could practically be considered overkill, as a rusted shell of a specimen would be cause for celebration. Ours is wonderfully clean, with just the slightest speck of wear to the enamel at far left to derail a NRMT rating. Original brooch pin on verso is undamaged, and light oxidation on that side is of no concern.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19652 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $11,950.00
1951-52 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball with Marilyn Monroe. After setting a World Record mark of $191,200 for Autographed Baseballs with our Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe signed sphere in May of 2006, we received quite a few inquiries from prospective consignors claiming to possess a similar piece. In every case but one, these baseballs were rather quickly exposed to be inauthentic. Here we present the single example to make the grade, a Yankees team signed sphere featuring this most famous of celebrity couples upon its sweet spot. The OAL (Harridge) ball was likely signed during Spring Training of 1952, as there are some abnormalities in the roster that keep it from being linked definitively to one season or the other. Of course we've been trained to accept 1951 as the only season that featured both DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle upon the Yankees roster, and a rookie Mick is present and accounted for. But the love affair between Joe and Marilyn began in early 1952. Five other lesser players present here likewise did not begin their pinstriped service until 1952.

Of course, this small mystery only adds intrigue to a baseball that will rate among the most desirable to find a new home this year. Though a chip to the shellac coating dips into the sweet spot signature of DiMaggio, his signature is otherwise perfectly preserved. Marilyn's autograph below remains clear of any defects and merits a rating of 9+/10. Twenty-five Yanks join America's Sweethearts, including the aforementioned Mantle, Berra, Rizzuto, Mize, Woodling, Reynolds, Martin, Sain, Raschi, McDougald and a pair of clubhouse Stengels. These signatures likewise remain remarkably bold, averaging a very conservative 8/10, and the occasionally chip and a bit of paper stuck in the shellac affect no noteworthy names. Certainly this is the only baseball on the face of the earth bearing the autographs of Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe and Mickey Mantle, which makes it one of the most iconic pieces from the
Auction 707 | Lot: 19535 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $11,352.50
1952 Topps Baseball Near Complete Set (399/407). The 1952 Topps set was the largest set of its day, both in number and size of the cards. Cards 311-407 were extremely limited. This near set is missing the following eight cards - #311 Mantle, 333 Reese, 400 Dickey, 407 Mathews. A total of five cards have been graded by PSA with an aggregate SMR value of $914. Graded cards - PSA NM 7: #67 Reynolds; PSA EX-MT 6: #161 Byerly; PSA EX 5: #243 Doby, 372 McDougald; PSA VG 3: #261 Mays. Ungraded cards include 1 Pafko (FR), 11 Rizzuto (PR, tape on back), 29 Kluszewski (VG/EX), 33 Spahn (FR), 36 Hodges (FR), 37 Snider (VG), 48 Page Correct (PR), 48 Page Error (FR), 49 Sain Correct (GD), 49 Sain Error (VG), 59 Roberts (VG), 65 Slaughter (PR), 88 Feller (GD), 122 Jensen (VG), 129 Mize (VG/EX), 175 Martin (FR), 191 Berra (VG), 216 Ashburn (PR), 277 Wynn (VG), 312 Robinson (PR), 314 Campanella (PR), 315 Durocher (VG), 321 Black (VG), 384 Crosetti (VG), 392 Wilhelm (VG), 396 Williams (VG). Grades 12% EX to EX/MT, 60% VG to VG/EX, 28% PR to GD.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19824 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $10,755.00
1887 N172 Old Judge Harry Wright PSA NM 7. Only a single Wright from this supremely scarce issue has ever topped that which we present here, and fewer than 100 cards from the entire N172 set have ever achieved better than a PSA NM 7. So suffice it to say that you'll search long and hard, and probably fruitlessly, to find a superior example of this card issued in honor of the Hall of Fame baseball pioneer responsible for such innovations as the modern uniform and baseball score sheets. Wonderful centering and a lack of physical evidence of age or wear makes us wonder if this card might deserve a resubmission for a possible upgrade. We can't imagine what that single PSA NM-MT 8 card could have that this one doesn't.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19723 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $10,755.00
Mid-1960's Paul Hornung Game Worn Helmet with Photo Match. The Notre Dame Heisman Trophy winner entered the National Football League as the number one overall pick, joining a Green Bay Packers team he would help lead to four Championships including the first Super Bowl in 1967. As the "Thunder" to Jim Taylor's "Lightning," Hornung helped compose Lombardi's unstoppable ground game that tore apart opposing defenses throughout the era of this incredible helmet's use. For legions of Lambeau Field fans, this battered headgear represents the essence of what it is to be a Green Bay Packer, and we're pleased to have the opportunity to offer it to the collecting community.

The helmet shell remains intact but the entire inner contents (suspension webbing, crown donut, jaw pads, and snubber) have been removed. The interior does sport two markered number "5" identifiers however, as well as a "RC-65 Riddell" recon sticker. The exterior shell has been definitively photo matched to one of the most famous photographs of Hornung in uniform. Note the abrasions at the seven o'clock area of the left "G" logo, and the thin white vertical scuff on the green center striping above Hornung's right eye. Both "G" logos are original as, is the striping. The stenciled number "5" on the back of the center stripe is likewise original, and both green stripes have been factory stamped. The 2-bar "BD9" facemask is from a later period, as are the bolts and housing peripherals. A mid-1960's "Riddell" chinstrap is here as well. The helmet still displays exceedingly well despite the lack of interior padding. It is probably one of the last helmets used by Hornung, which coincides, of course, with the greatest years of the Packers dynasty. A piece worthy of display at Canton, or in the finest private football collections. Included in the lot is the 8x10" photograph of Hornung wearing this helmet, signed in 10/10 black sharpie. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19903 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $10,755.00
1940's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. No serious baseball collection could be considered complete without the Bambino within its ranks, and here we present a specimen that would be at home in the finest of them. A bold sweet spot signature from baseball's greatest star is visible from the next county, and its placement upon an OAL (Harridge) ball couldn't be more desirable. A bit of scattered toning is in evidence, but our catalog photography should illustrate just how minor these considerations are. With the price of Ruth singles on a steady rise, there's no good reason to wait. And when you buy quality, such as the example offered here, you can't go wrong. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19042 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $10,755.00
1908-1909 E102 Anonymous "Set of 25" Complete SGC-Graded Set Without Variations (25). The manufacturer of this rare issue is unknown and the set is almost identical in design to the E92, E101, E105, and E106 issues. All of the 25 players in the set are listed on the verso of each card. There are 4 secondary poses for Doyle, Miller, Schmidt, and Wagner, which are not included here as the original owner of this issue had no way of knowing that there were variations from the 25 listed on the back when this set was put this together almost 100 years ago. Includes: Graded cards - SGC 40 VG 3: 1 card, Evers. SGC 30 GOOD 2: 3 cards w/ Donovan, Doyle, Knabe. SGC 20 FAIR 1.5: 4 cards w/ Kleinow, Mathewson, Tinker, Zimmerman. SGC 10 POOR 1: 17 cards w/ Bender, Bescher, Cobb, Collins, Chase, Crawford, Dooin, Dougherty, Lajoie, Lobert, Magee, Miller, Murphy, Schaefer, Shean, Smith, Wagner.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19761 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $10,157.50
1935 National Chicle Bronko Nagurski #34 PSA NM 7. Far and away the most valuable card in the National Chicle set, Bronko outpaces his closest competitor by multiples when it comes to value and desirability. As such, high-grade specimens such as this one are treasured by collectors, and the opportunity to own one doesn't come along very often. In fact, only seven examples have ever graded NM-MT 8, and none have ever rated higher. In other words, you might have a very long wait ahead of you if you crave a finer representation. Marvelous centering and bright colors offer no shortage of eye appeal.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19863 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $10,157.50
1970's Jack Nicklaus Tournament Used Golf Bag. With eighteen major Championships under his belt, five better than Bobby Jones and six ahead of Tiger Woods, there's little question but that Nicklaus ranks high among the most significant figures in golf's long history. Here we present an incredible artifact from the second decade of his most productive years, when he was unquestionably the biggest name on the professional golf circuit. It is quite likely that a little bit of research will find a photo match for this green and white leather "MacGregor" bag which was acquired by our Ft. Worth Colonial Country Club staffer from a personal employee of the Golden Bear. Fine use is clearly evident, but the bag remains in marvelous condition, aching to return once again to the links. Whether you intend to load your own clubs inside, or display the bag in your trophy room, you can be sure you'll turn heads with this important artifact. Letter of provenance from the Colonial C.C. staffer is included.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19353 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $10,157.50
Early 1970's Tom Landry Game Worn Coaching Jacket. Mid-weight navy blue nylon windbreaker is one of the very few Landry artifacts one will find that actually could be characterized as a Dallas Cowboy uniform piece, as we all know that the Hall of Fame coach typically favored sport coats and fedoras over team gear for game day. So it's certainly safe to say that this rare garment presents a unique opportunity for the serious collector, as a bold white tackle twill "Dallas Cowboy" spans the back of the jacket, with an embroidered "Landry" swatch sewn to the inner zipper path to assure its royal heritage. Proper "Sand-Knit [size] Large (42-44)" label appears inside collar. Wear is light but definite, leaving the jacket in marvelous condition for use or display. The jacket derives from the same former team staffer who consigned the rest of the incredible vintage Cowboys material also found within this auction. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19955 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $10,157.50

Make Offer to Owner
$11,812 or more
1920's Grover Cleveland Alexander Single Signed Baseball. The obvious Golden Age styling of this "D&M Official League Ball" leaves little question but that the troubled Hall of Fame pitcher autographed it around the era of his famous (and purportedly drunken) strike out of Tony Lazzeri in the 1926 World Series. Seasoned collectors are well aware that Alexander singles are particularly tough, and this specimen boasts a sweet spot signature that you can read from a mile away. The ball shows a moderate degree of scuffing, but the signature has escaped the worst of it and maintains a very conservative 8.5/10 rating. The blue and red stitching recalls the Official balls of the era, adding further visual appeal to this elite sphere. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19003 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $10,157.50
Late 1920's Babe Ruth & Grover Cleveland Alexander Signed Baseball. Important orb almost assuredly saw action at Sportsman's Park in either the 1926 or 1928 World Series, which pitted Ruth's Yankees against Alexander's Cardinals in a battle for baseball's top prize. The apparent bat mark and red paint transfer on ONL (Heydler) ball suggest a wild ride into the seats of Sportsman's Park, and the presence of each legendary Hall of Famer on a ball from Heydler's presidency could only logically be explained by an October meeting. While these points could never be definitively proven, this much is clear--each legendary autograph maintains remarkable boldness and clarity these many decades later, with the Babe rating 9.5/10 on the sweet spot, and Old Pete perhaps a half-point below at 9/10. Though several surviving balls from the opening of the Hall of Fame bear the autographs of each of these storied superstars, we can assert with almost complete confidence that this is the only dual-signed example on the face of the earth. It's just pure luck that it's such a beauty as well. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19013 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $9,560.00
Early 1940's Babe Ruth Single Signed Baseball. A milky-white OAL (Harridge) ball supplies the most desirable of homes for a strong sweet spot signature from the man who rose from a Baltimore orphanage to the pinnacle of international fame. The blue fountain pen ink rates an extremely conservative 8/10 in strength, and the ball couldn''t be more attractive, with just a couple very faint dots of toning well clear of the signature that have zero effect upon the visual power. The cornerstone of any serious baseball autograph collection, the Ruth single is an essential acquisition and one of the safest investments in the hobby. And when you buy quality, you''ll never regret it. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19034 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $9,560.00
1994 Wayne Gretzky All-Star Game Worn Jersey. Elite jersey from the game's greatest figure was given to former Toronto Blue Jays star Duane Ward, who writes in his included signed letter of provenance, "...I had the honor of meeting and becoming very good friends with Wayne Gretzky and his family. Through the years our paths crossed numerous times in Toronto and Los Angeles. It was on a trip to Los Angeles that I attended his wife Janet Jones' birthday party, by invitation from Wayne and his family. While at the party I asked Wayne for one of his Hockey jerseys, it was at that time he promised me that he would give me his second period All-Star game jersey..." The striking purple and black sweater features "star" imagery to match the theme of the game, with "NHL Western Conference" and captain's "C" patches on chest, and "Gretzky 99" taking up the rear, with those digits repeated on each sleeve as well along with decorative patches for the Madison Square Garden event. Collar holds "CCM [size] 56" tagging. Wear is appropriately light for a single period of exhibition game action. A notation in an unknown hand (but likely Gretzky's) appears on the fight strap, reading "All-Star Game Sweater #2." A flawless black sharpie inscription on verso reads, "To Duane, Your Friend, Wayne Gretzky 99, 1994." With impeccable provenance and All-Star Game appeal, this ranks as one of the most attractive Gretzky jerseys to surface in recent years. LOA from James Spence Authentication. LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19331 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $9,560.00
1860 "Base Ball Player's Pocket Companion." This "Third Revised Edition" of the seminal 1858 publication is considered a "Book of Genesis" of sorts for the serious baseball historian, one of the very first publications to address the rules of the game that would come to be known as our National Pastime in a codified manner. Even the most casual collector understands how scarce is any baseball artifact dating to the Civil War's antebellum period, and few pieces from this small supply could match the offered volume for historical insight. Thirty-five pages reside between the 3.75x5.5" covers, the front of which is embossed with golden lettering and a gloveless figure catching a baseball, with the text split between the rules and regulations of "The New England Game" and "The New York Game," an ominous foreshadowing of the great Red Sox and Yankees rivalry perhaps. Amidst the typed text are found magnificent images of ballplayers in early uniform, labeled as The Thrower, The Striker and The Catcher. Diagrams of the playing fields of each regional Game are also found within. A certain degree of wear must be excused for a book rapidly approaching its sesquicentennial, though the binding still remains essentially intact and all pages are held in place. Handwriting from a former owner appears on the first two blank pages and some light and largely unobtrusive water staining can be found on the few final pages, along with some wear to the last two leaves of paper. The book remains entirely legible front to back, with the vast majority of pages free of any noteworthy flaw. It is believed that only five or six of these volumes survive today, elevating the winning bidder to an elite collecting status where few could follow.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19578 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $8,962.50
Late 1970's Johnny Bench Game Worn Catcher's Mitt. We've said it before, but it bears repeating--game worn fielder's gloves remain the most elusive of all equipment/uniform pieces to collectors of the genre. The reasoning is quite simple. Nothing is more personal to a ballplayer than his glove, and it's the only piece in his arsenal (with the possible exception of shoes) that improves with age. While jerseys, bats, caps, batting gloves, etc. are typically discarded with little thought or sentimentality, the fielder's glove is something entirely different, usually used for an entire season or more. One will recall the scandal in the New York Yankees spring training camp a few years ago when Derek Jeter's fielder's glove was stolen. Surely he's lost endless jerseys and bats to equipment thieves, but the loss of the glove sent Jeter to the press, and subsequently smoked out the culprit as a fellow Yankee teammate (who was summarily dismissed).

Don't worry though--we come by this game used leather entirely honestly. A great letter of provenance from our consignor, who idolized Bench as a child, tells the story of how Duane Walker (Cincinnati Reds 1982-85) guilted Bench into making a gift of it to the boy, whose father had coached Walker in high school. And lest you think to question the authenticity of the glove itself, twin letters of authenticity are likewise provided from both top glove expert Joe Phillips and senior Rawlings glove designer Bob Clevenhagen. Both note that the "RL-P" model of this glove is an exclusive pro-stock designation, and that such a mitt could not have been purchased commercially. They likewise note the unusual customization of a "DE" wingtip model back with an "RL" front, such as only a professional could request. The quick action fold is also typical of Bench's preferred models, and even the indentation at the index finger area of the outside of the mitt indicates the manner in which Bench wore his. Finally, a vintage number "5" on the thum
Auction 707 | Lot: 19437 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $8,962.50
Six United States Presidents Signed Baseball. Hail to the Chiefs, half a dozen of them! Over thirty years of White House history convenes upon the pale white surface of this OAL (Brown) ball deriving from the personal collection of a famous sports broadcaster who acquired all signatures in person. One needn't expound upon the intense scarcity of this sphere, and it's safe to say that this will be collectors' one and only chance to own such a piece. Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan appear in black ink, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush in blue ink, and Bill Clinton in black felt tip marker. All maintain a boldness of 9/10 or better. This should set off a fierce war between collectors in the realms of Sports and Americana, so ready your bidding paddles. Just like politics itself, this auction is likely to get rough. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19080 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $8,962.50

Make Offer to Owner
$25,000 or more
Early 1940's Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb & Tris Speaker Signed Baseball. The original owner's notarized letter of provenance is so magnificent that we reproduce it here: "I do hereby state that in 1943 I was driving to work one evening on Shaker Blvd. in Shaker Heights, Ohio, when another automobile rolled through a stop sign, striking my automobile. The person driving the other automobile was Tris Speaker. It was obvious that Speaker had been drinking and he told me to stop by his office in downtown Cleveland so he could give me something as a way of saying he was sorry for what happened. A couple days later I stopped by his office and Speaker gave me a baseball signed by himself, Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. I have been in possession of that baseball for more than fifty-one years until today, January 17, 1995."

This incredible DUI "mea culpa" is a gift most collectors would happily trade for a dented fender, compiling what are arguably the three greatest hitters of the pre-war era. The Babe occupies his customary sweet spot on this "National Amateur Baseball Federation" orb, with Speaker and Cobb to the north and south respectively. Each presents at a conservative 8/10 or better, yet another reason why this ball will be the greatest conversation piece in your collection. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19038 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $8,663.75
1954 Brooklyn Dodgers Original Artwork by Willard Mullin. The greatest name in sports cartooning was this long-serving member of "The Sporting News" staff best remembered for his creation of the fabled "Brooklyn Bum" and his comical take upon the trials and tribulations of the long-suffering Dodgers. Here we present a particularly special piece that finds a young fan of Jackie, Campy and the boys dreaming that a large wrapped Christmas gift might contain another National League pennant. Of course we all know that the gift would end up being better still, and that the 1955 baseball season would prove to be the most glorious in the team's history. This remarkable subject matter would be cause for celebration on its own, but the addition of Mullin's watercolor skills makes it one of the most desirable pieces from his sizable oeuvre. The work measures 10x15" on artist's paper, with tape (or its remnants) from its original "paste up" lining the edges. Condition is otherwise fine, and the piece presents beautifully, evoking the simple charm of 1950's Brooklyn baseball.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19615 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $8,365.00
Early 1980's John Elway Game Worn Stanford Jersey. Exceptional and highly desirable "pre-rookie" gamer dates to this Hall of Fame legend's tenure as leader of the Stanford University offense, most likely used during his Junior year at the school. Wear is absolutely tremendous, though some portion of this could be attributable to a second life as a practice jersey following the regular season. The red mesh shortened body of the jersey is dotted with various team repairs, most notably at the top of the front numeral "7," at the upper right shoulder, and in the tip of the letter "W" of Elway's screened-on surname at rear nameplate. Strong, sweaty wear has also faded the "Russell [size] 46" label at the tail, further indication of plentiful use. Various contact marks and a few unrepaired small holes are likewise easy to spot. All tailoring aspects are as picture-perfect as the use, with Elway's preferred wide sleeves for ease of throwing motion and customization along the major horizontal transverse seam to keep the shoulder pads more tightly applied. A flawless collegiate gamer from one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history. It doesn't get much better than that. LOA from Lou Lampson.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19908 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $8,365.00
1918 Boston's Best Pitchers Signed Baseball with Babe Ruth. Unique and thrilling trio of signatures is found on the side panel of an OAL (Johnson) ball, quite possibly signed at Fenway Park during the World Series. We are led to this supposition by the appearance of Art Nehf, the Braves' top hurler, who joins the young Babe and former Philadelphia Athletics star Bullet Joe Bush, the Red Sox pitchers who started Games One and Two of that Fall Classic. It would stand to reason that Nehf would have been in the stands as a spectator, and few other occasions would have brought these players from different Leagues together. We're quite confident of the 1918 date, as it was Bush's first with the Sox, and he appeared in only three games in 1919 before Ruth set sail for the Big Apple. Regardless of the actual circumstances surrounding the signing, the end result is a treasure unlike any we've seen. All other panels remain free of writing. The ball shows expected handling wear, but the autographs still project very well due to the strength of the fountain pen ink that created them. A very special opportunity for the serious Boston collector. LOA from PSA/DNA. LOA from James Spence Authentication.
Auction 707 | Lot: 19468 | May 5, 2007

Sold For: $8,365.00

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Results per page: 24 48 72

© 2025 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved